Dating Scam, String Of Thefts: Western Springs Cops

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs police released its latest weekly blotter. Here is information from the reports:

• A man in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street was the victim of an online scam that resulted in the loss of several thousand dollars. The son met an unknown woman on a dating website and bought several gift cards at the woman's request. Her dating profile was false. The report was made Nov. 15.
• A leaf blower valued at $350 to $400 was stolen Nov. 17 from a landscaping trailer in the 4000 block of Central Avenue.
• A Stihl stone saw valued at $800 was stolen Nov. 20 from a landscaping trailer in the 4000 block of Central Avenue. A person was seen pulling up in a car next to the trailer and entered the open back door to the trailer.
• A leaf blower valued at $500 was stolen Nov. 16 from a landscaping trailer in the 5300 block of Grand Avenue.
• A leaf blower valued at $500 was stolen Nov. 16 from a landscaping trailer in the 900 block of Lawn Circle.
• A boy's bicycle was stolen Nov. 21 from the Lyons Township High School football field. The bike was unlocked and left against the fence under the scoreboard.
• Western Springs took a dozen identity theft reports of unemployment benefits being fraudulently sought in residents' names from Nov. 16 to Nov. 21.